Put on the Whole Armor

(Ephesians 6:11) Before each specific assignment Navy SEALs are given, they thoroughly assess their equipment. Each item they have with them is chosen for a specific reasonto protect themselves, fight the enemy, win the battle, survive, and return safely. Every aspect of their equipment is of the best quality and must be in perfect working order or condition. Because all of this has to be carried with them on their body, they assemble their camouflage uniform with precision and great thought. They know they cant go into battle safely or effectively if they are missing something important or carrying extra baggage. Everything they take with them is designed to facilitate and anticipate their every need. By the time they are on a mission they are more than ready. As prayer warriors we must do the same. God doesnt want us carrying anything that is unnecessary because it will weigh us down

and hinder what He has called us to do. And we must not go to battle without the things we need in order to win. Our battle is spiritual, and what we accomplish in the spirit realm is as important as what the highly trained, prepared, and equipped soldier does in the physical. We must know our weapons and be highly skilled in using them. But first we must put on the armor God has given us in order to stand strong against the enemy. The apostle Paul said, Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11). He didnt say, If you are smart you might take up the whole armor. Or, If you feel like it and have the time, take up the armor. Or, Try to take up the armor at least once or twice a year. Gods Word says, Take up the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). This is not suggested; it is commanded. The Bible would not have told us to take up the whole armor of God in order to withstand evil if evil could have been withstood without doing that. To stand against literally means to stand in front of and in opposition to the forces and plans of evil. It means to be the one standing after the battle. It also means to stand in preparation for the next battle. Standing against the wiles of the devil certainly doesnt mean do nothing. If we are to do nothing until He comes, why do we need to wrestle against the enemy? We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). Why does Jesus give us spiritual weapons to withstand evil forces if He doesnt want us to use them? The reason we must put on the whole armor of God is to withstand evil. We dont war against people, but against a spiritual hierarchy of invisible power.

The forces of evil are invisible powers with a structure and specific levels of authority. We are not only to use our armor to protect and defend ourselves from themas important as that is but also to go on the offensive against them as well. When we do that, we close doors to the enemy and open doors to the will of God to be done on earth. We advance Gods kingdom. Every soldier knows exactly when the time is right to put on his protective battle gear. Prayer warriors need to put on the armor of God every day because the war is always going on. New battles continually need to be fought so that evil will be driven back, the kingdom of God advanced, and the will of God be done. Our spiritual armor not only protects us from the enemy, it also gives us what we need in order to push against him. In order to put on the armor of God, we must first identify what the armor is. Paul talked about how to identify and battle the forces of evil using the Roman soldiers as his model. They were by far the most powerful army of that time, and he relates the pieces of armor they had with what God has given us in the spirit realm. The following is what he said: Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:14-18).

This is not hard, so dont give me that look that says, This is sounding like too much work. You can do this! We can all do this because we stand strong in Godspower and strength, not our own. That takes the pressure off of us trying to do it ourselves. We just have to show up and pray. Some people think that because Jesus accomplished everything on the cross, we dont have to do anything at all. But if thats true, why did Jesus teach us to pray, Deliver us from the evil one (Matthew 6:13)? Why did Paul say to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)? Yes, thevictory over evil was accomplished on the cross, but the enemy is still here. He is a defeated enemy, but he is still waging the war. We dont want him winning any battles on our watch, especially as long as we can be part of the force God has called to stop him. We must have the whole armor of God protecting us at all times so we can stand successfully against the enemys plans for not only our life, but also the lives of others. When you get up every day, put on your protective armor. Dont leave your day to chance. Take possession of it and surrender it to the Lord. Dont let it get out of control and give the enemy an invitation to have input. You need this armor to stop any onslaught of the enemys destructive arrows into your life and the lives of those you care aboutboth now and in the future. PRAYER Lord, help me to put on the full spiritual armor You have provided for me so that I can stand against the wiles of the devil every day. In Jesus name I pray. GO DEEPER According to Ephesians 6:10-11, why must we put on the whole armor of God?

 Read Ephesians 6:12. What do we struggle against? What do we not struggle against?